Source; Buletin Mutiara

Penang has embarked on an ambitious five-year climate adaptation project to mitigate flash floods in the Bayan Baru area. The initiative, titled “Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme” (PNBCap), was announced by Zairil Khir Johari, Chairman of the Penang Infrastructure and Transport Committee, and is a collaborative effort between UN-Habitat and Think City. The project, which began in 2023 and is set to conclude in 2027, involves a substantial investment of RM 9.2 million and is being executed by the Penang Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS).

The PNBCap initiative encompasses three major projects. The first is the restoration and beautification of the Sungai Keluang river corridor, transforming it into a “Blue-Green Corridor.” This project aims to create a harmonious blend of natural beauty and effective water management. The second project is the construction of Penang’s first nature-based retention pond at Lintang Nibong neighborhood football field. Unlike traditional concrete structures, this advanced retention pond is designed to efficiently collect and manage rainwater, featuring underground infiltration systems and water storage components. The third project involves the installation of permeation devices and storage systems beneath the retention pond to enhance water management capabilities.

Zairil highlighted that the JPS had conducted a public consultation on May 11, where over 60 community members provided positive feedback. The Bayan Baru area, a rapidly developing township, has been identified as a flood-prone zone, experiencing 16 floods from 2016 to 2024. The existing drainage system is outdated and unable to cope with heavy rainfall, necessitating urgent upgrades. Local MP Sim Tze Tzin has been actively advocating for government intervention to address these recurring flood issues.

Penang is the first state to receive UN-Habitat funding for enhancing climate resilience. The Sungai Keluang corridor, stretching 400 meters, will feature natural enhancements such as rain gardens, bioretention swales, green roofs, children’s playgrounds, viewing platforms, boardwalks, sports areas, parking lots, pergolas, fishing platforms, camping zones, and urban farms.

Zairil expressed hope that this pioneering project will serve as a model for other states and cities in combating climate change. The launch event was attended by UN-Habitat Project Manager Kwan Sook Cheng and JPS Director Nazri.

Source: The Star

Four years have passed since the RM1 billion Jelutong landfill rehabilitation and development project was announced, but progress remains elusive. Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman, H’ng Mooi Lye, stated during the recent state assembly meeting that all necessary approvals are expected only by the third quarter of this year.

The project, helmed by PLB Engineering Bhd, aims to transform the landfill into a mixed development site post-rehabilitation. H’ng explained that the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been approved, and the Fisheries Impact Assessment (FIA) has received the required comments. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is currently under review by the Environment Department.

Ong Ah Teong (PH-Batu Lancang) raised a query about the project’s progress and whether there were plans for an integrated solid waste management center on the island. H’ng responded that there are no current plans for such a facility. He highlighted the delayed Phase 3 of the Pulau Burung Landfill Site, which was intended to incorporate waste-to-energy and zero-waste technology. This delay is due to ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government regarding the adoption of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) in Penang. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the future of integrated waste management facilities in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister II, Jagdeep Singh Deo, emphasized the need to move beyond traditional landfills. He advocated for exploring advanced technologies for waste disposal, reflecting the state’s shift towards more sustainable waste management practices. Jagdeep Singh, who previously held H’ng’s position, underscored the importance of considering modern alternatives to landfill waste disposal.

In June of the previous year, The Star reported that PLB Engineering Bhd had entered a joint development agreement with the Penang government in 2020 to undertake the Jelutong landfill project. Despite this, a state government source indicated that the project had not progressed beyond the planning stages. The landfill, located on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and just 3km from the city’s heritage enclave, is considered a prime development opportunity due to its extensive undeveloped land in downtown Penang.

The rehabilitation of the landfill is a massive endeavor, requiring extensive excavation, shore realignment, and land re-engineering. Once completed, it is expected to generate significant economic returns, with estimates suggesting billions of ringgit in gross development value.

The Jelutong landfill has been a repository for construction debris and garden waste since 2002, transitioning from its former role as a sanitary landfill. The anticipated redevelopment holds promise for economic growth and urban rejuvenation, but for now, tangible progress remains on the horizon.

Source: Google Street View

Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd has announced an expansion of its joint venture with Avionics Pty Ltd (APL) in the redevelopment of military facilities at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth in Penang. The Australian Department of Defence has awarded an additional RM39 million contract for this project, as part of an amendment to the existing head contract and minor works contract.

Fajarbaru’s portion of the new contract value is RM15.71 million. Initially, on July 10, 2023, the joint venture partners Fajarbaru Builder Sdn Bhd (FBSB) and APL received the Head Contract (International) Two Phase from the Australian Department of Defence for the redevelopment project. Fajarbaru’s initial portion of the contract for the planning phase was valued at RM7.36 million, which was later revised to RM12.30 million on January 11, 2024, to accommodate additional works.

Further, on March 15, 2024, Fajarbaru secured a minor works contract (International) from the Australian Department of Defence, with its portion worth RM11.04 million. Following the latest announcement, the total value of Fajarbaru’s contracts for this project has increased to RM39.05 million as of May 28, 2024.

The amended contract also extends the planning phase duration from April 30, 2024, to September 9, 2024. The completion date for the minor works contract has been pushed from November 21, 2024, to March 28, 2025.

“We are pleased to announce that Fajarbaru has secured an additional contract sum as part of our project to redevelop facilities at RMAF Base Butterworth in Penang. This development is a testament to the confidence the Australian Department of Defence has placed in our ability to deliver exceptional results and unlocks future opportunities in the defence sector,” said Fajarbaru’s group executive chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.

Fajarbaru’s share price remained unchanged at 45 sen per share, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM335.1 million. This expansion underscores Fajarbaru’s capabilities in critical infrastructure and construction projects, bolstering its position in the defence sector.

At the inaugural launch of The BrandLaureate Fast Moving Growing Sustainable Business & Brands Awards 2024, Cassia Cempaka, a property development brand in Penang, emerged as one of the distinguished winners of The BrandLaureate Property Branding Awards 2024. The event, hosted by The World Brands Foundation (TWBF), celebrated outstanding global brands for their excellence and innovation across various industries.

The BrandLaureate Property Branding Awards 2024 specifically recognized brands within the property sector that have significantly influenced their industry by shaping landscapes and enhancing community lifestyles. Cassia Cempaka’s achievement highlights its commitment to excellence in property development and its role in redefining residential living standards.

Phase 2 of Cassia Cempaka in Batu Kawan features a double-storey bungalow priced at RM1,786,076 and 26 semi-detached units ranging from RM941,043 to RM1,189,346. Located along Jalan Batu Kawan, the development offers easy access to landmarks such as IKEA, Design Village, and the Penang Second Bridge. Its proximity to the Batu Kawan Police Station and Fire & Rescue Station ensures safety and convenience for residents.

The awards ceremony was marked by elegance and grandeur, bringing together representatives from leading brands to honor their contributions to sustainable growth and industry innovation. Prof. Dr. KKJohan, in his welcoming speech, encouraged award recipients to leverage their recognition to further expand their brand presence and make bold advancements in their leadership.

In addition to Cassia Cempaka, other notable property development brands recognized included Berinda Properties, Dhaya Maju, IM Buildcon, Mitraland, and UDA. The event also honored property landmark brands like WCT Malls (Gateway@KLIA2) and Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, as well as property ecosystem brands such as ALG Worldwide, COLORBOND®, and Evergold.

Esteemed personalities such as Stephen Krempl, CEO of Krempl Communications International, and Serely Alcaraz, Executive Director of ITD World, received The BrandLaureate International Brand Personality Award 2024. Esteemed sports icons, including professional track cyclist Dato’ Mohd Azizulhasni Awang OLY, renowned Muay Thai fighter Johan “Jojo” Ghazali, and professional badminton player Lee Zii Jia OLY, were also honored for their influential contributions to their respective sports.

The event included the representation of The Entrepreneur Award – Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2023, given to Ms. Carrie Lee, Founder of CL Skin Sdn Bhd. This award was presented after she was unable to attend the ceremony last year due to work engagements in Paris. The night also witnessed the induction of the World’s No.1 Tower Runner, Soh Wai Ching, into The BrandLaureate Book of World Records 2024 for his recent feat of being crowned the World Champion of the Taipei 101 Run Up 2024.

Source: Facebook

Penang will implement strict measures against developers and contractors who fail to comply with regulations, causing public distress and property damage. Penang infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari emphasized that actions such as stop-work orders and fines would be enforced in response to any violations.

This announcement came after Connie Tan Hooi Peng (PH-Seri Delima) raised concerns about disturbances from the construction of the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass (Package Two) in her constituency. Zairil confirmed that stern warnings had been issued to the project developer, stressing that non-compliance could lead to immediate stop-work orders or fines. He also mentioned that he chairs monthly progress meetings to monitor the project’s adherence to regulations.

On May 22, the design-and-build contractor for the bypass project, Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) Sdn Bhd, received a stop-work order for violating regulations by working on public holidays, outside the permitted hours. The unauthorized work was not related to mitigation matters.

Responding to another question by Joseph Ng (PH-Air Itam) about measures to prevent flash floods along Lebuhraya Thean Teik near the project site, Zairil noted that the issue had been addressed. The developer has deepened existing sedimentation ponds and constructed additional ones to mitigate flood risks. The developer is also responsible for post-flood cleaning works.

Recently, debris from blasting works at the RM850 million Air Itam bypass construction site damaged two condominium blocks in Island Park, affecting property and vehicles. Nearby houses have also been impacted, particularly during rain, as work site residue flowed into residential compounds.

The bypass project, expected to be completed next year, aims to reduce the current 40-minute drive between Bandar Baru Air Itam and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to under 10 minutes. Package Two includes three interchanges and involves upgrading the drainage system, existing roads, and utility relocation in the project area.